







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Erm... I know I snore occasionally, do I snore everyday? | |
| How long does the flight usually take? | |
| We call it a sixth sense! | |
| Don't you think two forks are enough for us? | |
| Why don't you answer your phone? | |
| I'm not really in the mood to join them. | |
| How are you? | |
| Do you want me to slice the mushrooms for you? | |
| There is also some cheese, but it's a bit mouldy. | |
| Umm... We are married... I mean, today is our wedding anniversary! | |
| Hm, okay... I think I got it, is it like Pinocchio? | |
| Thank you again for giving me your turn. | |
| Of course, here you go, this is the bathroom. | |
| Do you remember me? | |
| Sorry, I forgot to tell you, you need to turn the tap on very gently. | |
| I can cook, of course, but only when I feel like it. | |
| By the way, my name's Mike, what's yours? | |
| I hope your friends don't mind. | |
| Okay, how much salt do you want me to add? | |
| And this is my girlfriend, Cate. | |